AGSI welcomes plan to arm Gardai with pepper spray

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has welcomed plans to arm all uniformed officers with pepper-spray canisters.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern says he is introducing the policy to help officers deal with violent incidents on foot of a recommendation from the Garda Inspectorate.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors says the move is welcome as pepper spray is less likely to cause serious or permanent injury than the batons currently used by gardaí.